The American Council of Engineering Companies of South Dakota held their annual Engineering Excellence Awards on November 6, 2010 at the Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls. That evening Banner Associates was honored by receiving 2010’s highest award, the Grand Award for Engineering Excellence for Structural Design of the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings, South Dakota.
Located in the now converted Old (1930’s) Central Elementary School building, the Children’s Museum is truly a unique project for the Region. Some of the challenges that Banner’s Structural Department encountered included developing innovative structural details in order to adapt the museum layout to the existing facility while maintaining the structural integrity of the existing building. In addition to the renovation, a new pavilion was constructed adjacent to the existing building; this element produced its own unique challenges. The architectural goal for the pavilion was an open two-story cylindrical building with minimal structure to disrupt the exterior window views.
The Children’s Museum of South Dakota project is now eligible and will be submitted for competition on a national platform at the 2011 ACEC (American Council of Engineering Companies) Engineering Awards. Projects from around the world are rated on a basis of uniqueness and innovative applications; future value to the engineering profession and perception by the public; social, economic, and sustainable considerations; complexity; and successful fulfillment of the owner’s/clients need, schedule and budget. The awards will be presented on April 1, 2011, in Washington, DC.
Back
